For those who have hearing loss, hearing aids are crucial for better hearing and total quality of life. However, like any technological device, they require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure best possible performance. The lifespan of your device can be significantly lengthened by regular cleaning which will also allow you to hear more clearly. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to properly clean and care for your hearing aids.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tunings
To keep your hearing aids working at their best, daily or weekly cleaning is essential. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take very long but is really helpful in preserving sound quality and device longevity.
We recommend you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up in addition to your regular cleaning schedule. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Usually, you are encouraged to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This not only keeps them in prime condition but also helps diagnose any potential issues early.
Basic daily care tips
Taking a few simple precautions can significantly increase the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Avoid common hurdles by implementing these tips:
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s very humid, a dehumidifier can be used to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids at night gives them an opportunity to dry completely before you use them again in the morning.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Severe weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. Leave your hearing aids in the house if the weather is especially hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by keeping your hearing aids in their charger or their protective case when not in use.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Always clean your hands before handling your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could interfere with their function.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Your hearing aids can be damaged by too much moisture. Be certain to remove them before taking a shower, swimming, or using products like hairspray or perfume.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Taking care of your hearing aids requires the right tools. Here are a few of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Slim tube cleaner: To remove any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleaning the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Wax pick or loop: For gently removing earwax from small crevices.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of moisture, especially after a long day of use.
- Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.
Your hearing specialist can direct you to the best tools and practices to keep your hearing aids in excellent condition.
Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type
Different types of hearing aids require slightly different cleaning methods. Two of the primary types of hearing aids are Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE): Here are precise cleaning instructions for each type.
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any wax or debris that has collected on the surface.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the whole outer surface, removing any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be carefully extracted using the loop or pick.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and gently brush away any wax or dirt, especially around the receiver and microphone.
- Clear the Tubing: Run a pipe cleaner through the tubing to remove wax or moisture, then wipe the outside with a cloth.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re clear of debris.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Take off and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to loosen any accumulation. Utilize a tubing blower to remove excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
- Use a Wax Pick: Eliminate any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is detach the tube from the device.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids after everything dries out.
Protecting against ear infections through effective hygiene
Beyond the upkeep of your devices, it’s just as important to clean your ears. Earwax buildup not only inhibits your hearing aids but can also cause discomfort and infection. These issues can usually be avoided by regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Schedule an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
Contact us right away if you would like to set up a consultation to talk about any concerns you might have about hearing aids.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to work well for years to come.